Oops

5 more sleeps till the Big Day. Consulting my list, I appear to have forgotten to make/purchase/acquire present for Nearest & Dearest. Rookie mistake. Ideas in an email please!

On a brighter note, I'm knitting mini mittens for the tree. Well, for the tree this year, for an advent garland in my future life as a perfect mother.

Daddy Day

I've had days looking after both boys before. Not loads, but enough. So I have no ready explanation for why I was such a stereotypical Dad today.

It took HOURS to leave the house. I forgot that I would not be able to have a shower while Tom was awake. When we finally made it out the door, I was relieved and looking forward to several merry hours at Spring Barn Farm having lunch, seeing the animals, and visiting Santa in his grotto.

When we got there I realised I had left my coat behind. Oh well, plenty to do indoors. Lunch was fine, though on the manic side, and I can't say that I exuded calm and patience when Harry shouted that he needed a poo just as Tom was gleefully spreading baked beans all over his face.

The wholesome outing ended prematurely after Harry CRIED in disappointment at his present from Father Christmas. Oh the shame.

Never mind, off home again to decorate cupcakes for a Christmas cookie exchange party. Still many delightful mummy moments to be had.

Got to front door and realised that keys were in coat pocket. Inside house. Pack boys back into car. Text Sian to find out where exactly in Hove (actually) her work Christmas lunch is being held. Start driving. Pull over once in Hove. Ring Sian, no answer. Ring her work. Noone there from her school. Of course, they are all SOMEWHERE, BUT WHERE, IN BLOODY HOVE!

Running out of ideas, pass a Starbucks and Harry makes sensible suggestion to stop for a snack. Whilst there, finally reach Sian who agrees to come with key. Phew. Things finally looking up, shame about the PARKING TICKET. Yeah.

By the time cupcakes were decorated and we arrived at party, I gratefully imbibed mulled wine while my hosts looked after my children, as though it were a pleasure. BLESS YOU.

House a complete tip, and burnt pizza for dinner. I'm looking forward to work tomorrow.

Mission Accomplished

Packaging of all Christmas baking complete.














I'm fighting Christmas and totally winning.

And now, to sleep.

Damn Good Weekend

Friday was my last day of term. Hurrah! It's been a busy one, and at times I've been all anxious and stressed, most unlike me, and very unpleasant.

Anyway. Good to have it done! And we had Friday night at friends who made me laugh so much I may have peed a little.

Then Sian went for a well deserved night away, and the boys were angelic. Wanna see? Sure you do.









In case it's not obvious, those are Harry's beloved drinking glasses. Oxford Grandma gave them to him, and he asks for them every day. £2.50 well spent mother.

I had a friend over on Saturday night, I haven't had a proper girlie night in in ages. It's a good thing.

Finally, I finished up the Christmas baking. Christmas rocky road:









And peppermint bark:





I am unreasonably proud.

Traditional Decorating

I love a colourful, mismatched festive explosion of a Christmas tree. I got my way this year. Sian also bought me popcorn and cranberries for stringing. Norman Rockwell, eat your heart out. I've never actually done this before. Time consuming, but very effective. Lookie:







I *think* the link for this will appear in Facebook. I missed having peeps actually read my self-indulgent drivel ;-)

Fairy Lights

Christmas would not be Christmas without an abundance of fairy lights. Each year we seem to need more. This year:



adorning our head board. I know, totally awesome.

In other Christmas news, sadly we have had our first Christmas injury. From what we can make out, Tom was so eager to touch the golden tinsel strewn over his mobile that he toppled over and hit his head on the side of the cot.

He's ok. When you engage in extreme Christmas, there are going to be casualties.

Christmas Decorating

We are taking it all very seriously this year. Much of the job was completed this weekend, and far too much goodness to convey in a single blog post. I should be able to drag this out for a good few weeks, what with the baking, multiple advent calendars and all.

Here's a teaser: this is a photo of the secondary tree.



I love being an adult. I can waste my time & money in any way I please.

Tom

I love this boy. He is one day short of nine months and simply delicious.


Do you see what he's doing here? Sitting, playing with toys. In the middle of the kitchen floor, you know, like babies on adverts do.

I don't remember Harry doing this. I have a good memory. He didn't do this. Too busy moving. By seven months he couldn't be left for a second.

It has worked out well. Had we been able to order up personalities, Sian would have ordered Harry's, and I would have ordered Tom's.

Compromise

I'm overweight (medical fact). My diet is not optimal. I make resolutions all the time to do better, and generally I fail.

One of my weaknesses is latte and cinnamon swirl when I get in to work. Can you blame me?



So delicious. I have come up with a compromise for myself. I now skip breakfast, order a skinny rather than fat latte, and enjoy the hell out of the cinnamon swirl. Better than nothing, right?

In case you're interested, I'm knitting the second of the clown barf socks. Loving knitting with all the colour, but glad they're not for me.

Location:Abbey Rd,Brighton,United Kingdom

Weekend Mornings

We just returned from our first night away since Tom was born. It was, of course, wonderful. The best part was the morning. Lolling in bed with chocolates and magazines.

I think this is the thing I miss most from the BC days -- the teenage years will have some advantages, right?

Fat Lesbian Walking

In a vein/vain attempt to keep the excess pounds at bay, I have been enjoying half hour morning constitutionals round campus. I know, how very middle aged lez.

Fifty years ago some very persuasive person managed to get permission to build our campus at the edge of what is now a national park. It's a stunning setting that I have made scant use of in the ten years I've worked here.

I was shocked by the views, paths, and serenity I found a mere 15 mins walk from my desk.


Can you see the sheep near the top?!


And the path:





And some close ups, coz I was loving the hipstamatic:





Lucky, lucky, lucky.

The So-Called Junket

Dear Supervisor,

RE: NYC Trip

I am writing to report back on the trip to New York City with the Williams family. Things started well, baby Puff and I jumped out of the carry-on luggage and enjoyed a jolly flight over the pond.


We looked forward to seeing the sights of the Big Apple, but I must report severe neglect. We were left in our bag, hanging on a doorknob for much of the week.

In all honesty, the "at risk" children seemed to be having a wonderful time. I say this from hearing muffled merriment, and from hacking into the cameras:





Baby Puff and I, on the other hand, did not so much as SEE our toothbrushes for the entire week.

I forewarn you not to be fooled by the charming photos of us beside the dinosaur skeleton (these old bones are certainly NOT on a par with aristocratic dragons such as ourselves). This last-ditch photo op is not representative, I can assure you.


In short, this family can be struck off our register, but I will be claiming over-time. I cannot be held responsible for my actions if this trip is referred to as a "junket" within ear-shot.

Yours sincerely,

Puff Daddy
Social Worker

Storage

If I had the mind of a three year old, storage solutions would be more forthcoming.

Further Frustration

Well. I have spent more time than I wish to admit wrangling with technology (no knitting this evening), and I still have no videos to show for it. Instead I have a new mystery, a broken relationship between the computer and the Internet. Bugger.

Anywho...here is some of what has been going on at Casa del Purlhussy:

1. Tom had a throat infection. Thank god that was NOT what teething is made of. Tom is now all better, and is off the boob! I am very happy putting him to bed. I love his stage. No more feeding through the night, but not quite mobile. Bliss.

2. My sister came with an entourage, 4 peeps between 8-21. Who needs a loft conversion when your guests come bearing a tent.



I entertained as I always do when there are many ages.








We had a competition.


This one totally should have won --Catherine was ROBBED.


Harry was in heaven, annoying his 8 year old cousin with his constant adoration.


3. 3 year olds look so cute even when they totally suck at what they are doing.


4. As a lesbian, I did not expect to encounter this on a daily basis:


Not impressed.

5. I have made a pair of perfectly identical striker socks for Olivia.


6. Harry has been ill and it was boring.

7. Tom cannot quite sit up yet, and it's a little funny and a whole lot heart-breaking.


Trusty iPhone, I will not (attempt) to betray you again.

Charmers

Tom is six months old today. He is celebrating by screaming/crying whenever he is awake. Teething we think, but we don't like.

He is now fast asleep on me and I dare not move.





This is not a preferred, nor a frequent parenting position for me, thus I am pretty pleased with the self-portrait photos.

This morning was cousin G's birthday party. Harry had a lovely time. He adores party food.


Even when everyone else has finished and gone out to play.


My sister is due to arrive with three teenagers any time now. I think we provide excellent contraception right about now.